The Pirate volleyball team struggled to hold their own against the Durango Demons Tuesday night. The Pirates fell to Durango in three games, the first game being the fiercest battle with a score of 17 -25. In the next two games, 9-25 and 10-25, the Durango Demons ran away with service aces and kills that the Pirates had difficulty returning.

O’Donnell said that, on the plus side, the Pirates did a good job covering their hitters, better than she’d seen in the last several games.

The team , however, has thus far had a hard time coming back once opponents get some points on the scoreboard.

“We need to control and focus on the things that we can control,” O’Donnell said.

Sophomore Gabby Pajak had three kills against Durango, and Brooklyn DuCharme had two. DuCharme also led the way in digs with 16, with Angie Gallegos close behind with 10 digs.

“Angie’s serves were consistent,” O’Donnell added. Gallegos had the only Pirate ace of the night.

Though O’Donnell said the team has a lot to work, she is encouraged by the players’ positive attitudes and willingness to work.

At last Thursday’s season opener, the Pirates lost the match to Cortez in four games, keeping the scores tight until the last game, 25-27, 23-25, 26-24 and 11-25.

At Saturday’s Monte Vista Tournament, the Pirates blasted by Center and Sargent taking both matches in three games. However, when the team played against Sangre de Cristo, the players fought valiantly, but were defeated in five games, again holding the score close until the last game: 23-25, 22-25, 25-21, 29-27 and 20-25.

Pagosa hosts Sangre de Cristo Saturday, with action at the PSHS gym starting at 5:30 p.m.